Stefan Borson shares verdict on Celtic paying compensation fee to lure Kieran McKenna

Stefan Borson says Celtic are unlikely to pay Kieran McKenna's £8m compensation fee to lure him from Ipswich, ruling out a move this season.

Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson has cast doubt on Celtic's ability to afford Kieran McKenna as a replacement for Martin O'Neill. McKenna, who stepped down from Ipswich Town, has a compensation fee that could be as high as £8m until summer 2027, though it may have reduced since his departure. Borson told Football Insider he cannot see how Celtic would justify paying such a figure, especially given McKenna's stated desire for a break from football due to burnout. The 40-year-old remains Celtic's first choice if O'Neill's position becomes untenable, but the financial barrier appears insurmountable. O'Neill's future at Parkhead remains uncertain despite a recent Europa League win over Besiktas, though the lack of an affordable replacement may be delaying any decision by the club hierarchy.